BACKGROUND:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern, closely linked to the excessive and unregulated use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems, particularly in poultry farming. In Bangladesh, where poultry serves as a key source of animal protein, the misuse of antimicrobials contributes to the rapid emergence and spread of AMR, endangering animal, environmental and human health. Poultry farmers play a vital role in mitigating AMR through responsible antimicrobial usage (AMU), underscoring the urgent need for targeted educational interventions and strengthened regulatory frameworks to promote prudent AMU practices. METHODS:This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of poultry farmers regarding AMU across three districts in Bangladesh: Bogura, Rajshahi and Munshiganj. Data were collected from 294 poultry farmers through face-to-face interviews using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire. KAP was classified using descriptive statistics and the chi-square tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS:A majority of farmers (98.64%) reported us antimicrobials; however, only 50.34% obtained veterinary prescriptions. In addition, 73.13% were unaware of authorized prescribers, and 91.16% had no prior knowledge of AMR. Antimicrobials were frequently used during the brooding phase (61.90%) and as growth promoters (39.46%). A significant proportion of farmers (65.31%) believed antimicrobials could be used without veterinary advice, and 80.61% held misconceptions about their efficacy against viral infections. Furthermore, about 48.98% purchased these antimicrobials from local pharmacies without prior consultation with a veterinarian. The most commonly used antimicrobials were ciprofloxacin (58.84%), levofloxacin (43.20%), colistin (39.12%), amoxicillin (36.39%), doxycycline (36.39%) and tylosin (30.95%). CONCLUSIONS:The widespread lack of knowledge and inappropriate attitudes toward AMU among poultry farmers is a significant driver of AMR. Addressing this issue necessitates comprehensive educational programs to enhance awareness, stricter enforcement of veterinary regulations to ensure responsible antimicrobial use and the establishment of robust AMU surveillance systems for continuous monitoring and assessment.
Objectives:The objective of this study was to assess the effects of varying glucose and trehalose concentrations on tris-citric acid-egg yolk-fructose (TCEF) diluents for the short-term cold storage of goat semen. Materials and Methods:The semen sample was collected, unwashed, and divided into the following groups: control (TCEF without glucose and trehalose), TCEF + glucose (75, 150 mm), and TCEF + trehalose (75, 150 mm). Each experimental sperm group (sperm concentration: 9 × ×107/ml) was kept at 4°C in a refrigerator. The impact of varying glucose and trehalose levels on the quality of the spermatozoa was assessed at different time points: after dilution and at 5, 24, 48, and 72 h of refrigeration. Results:After dilution, progressive motility (PM), total motility (TM), sperm viability (SV), functional integrity (FI), and acrosome integrity of G-75, G-150, T-75, and T-150 did not differ significantly from the control. The PM, TM, SV, FI, and acrosome integrity of sperm of T-150 were considerably lower than the control, G-75, G-150, and T-75 after 5 and 24 h of cool storage. The T-75 group showed superior PM, TM, and FI after 48 h of cool storage, with noticeably greater values than the other groups. Conclusion:This study indicates that trehalose is a more favorable sugar than glucose for 48 h cool storage of buck semen, providing greater advantages in PM, TM, and PMI.
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, member of the genus Gammacoronavirus, poses significant threats to poultry health, causing severe respiratory, reproductive, and renal infections. The genetic diversity of IBV, driven by mutations, recombination and deletions, has led to the emergence of numerous serotypes and genotypes, complicating both diagnosis and control measures. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for effective disease management and minimizing economic losses. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as PCR, virus isolation, and serological assays, are hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. In contrast, innovative biosensor platforms employing advanced detection mechanisms-including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors-offer a transformative solution. These technologies provide portable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnostic platforms for IBV detection. Beyond addressing the challenges of conventional methods, these biosensor-based approaches facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance disease surveillance. This review highlights the transformative potential of biosensors and their integration into diagnostic strategies for avian coronavirus infections, presenting them as a promising alternative for precise and efficient IBV detection.
This pioneering study in Bangladesh combines phenotypic and genotypic approaches to characterize antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dairy farm wastewater, addressing a critical gap in regional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research. Dairy farming is integral to global food production, yet the wastewater generated by these operations is a significant source of environmental and public health concerns, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to isolate and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria from dairy farm wastewater and evaluate their antibiogram profiles to inform effective management strategies. A total of 60 wastewater samples were collected and subjected to conventional bacterial characterization, followed by molecular detection via PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35%), Escherichia coli (30%), Bacillus subtilis (16.67%), and Acinetobacter junii (8.33%) as the predominant bacterial species. Sequencing results demonstrated high compatibility with reference sequences, confirming the identities of the isolates. Antibiogram analysis revealed significant resistance patterns: P. aeruginosa exhibited the highest resistance to penicillin (85.71%) and amoxicillin (76.19%), while demonstrating greater sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole. E. coli showed notable resistance to penicillin (88.89%), amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone, while B. subtilis and A. junii also demonstrated high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics. Notably, a substantial proportion of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with MAR indices ranging from 0.37 to 0.75. Moreover, several antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) including penA, bla TEM , bla CTX-M , tetA, tetB, tetC, and ermB were detected across the bacterial species, with high prevalence rates in P. aeruginosa and A. junii, suggesting the potential for horizontal gene transfer and further spread of resistance. These findings underscore the critical need for a One Health approach to mitigate the risks posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dairy farm wastewater, emphasizing the critical importance of responsible antibiotic use and sustainable farming practices to protect public health and environmental integrity.
This report details the draft genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant Bacillus subtilis strain Hakim RU_LJ derived from lacchi juice. The assembled genome spans 4.03 Mb, with 50.33× coverage and a GC content of 43.5%. Analysis revealed six CRISPR arrays, 19 prophages, 17 antibiotic resistance genes, and 10 virulence factor genes.
The rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ABR) presents an urgent global health challenge, necessitating the development of efficient and scalable diagnostic technologies. Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising solution, offering high sensitivity, specificity, and adaptability for point-of-care applications. These innovative platforms utilize bio-recognition elements, advanced electrode materials, microbial enzymes, and redox-active metabolites to identify antibiotic resistance profiles at a molecular level. Recent progress in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems has enabled real-time, high-throughput antimicrobial susceptibility testing, significantly improving diagnostic precision and speed. This review aims to critically evaluate recent advances in electrochemical biosensing strategies for detecting ABR, identify key challenges, and propose future directions to enhance clinical applicability. Key developments include bio-receptor-based detection strategies, novel electrode surfaces, and multiplexed platforms integrated with microfluidic systems. Additionally, this review examines essential biomarkers for detecting antibiotic resistance and explores key challenges, including variability in biomarker expression and sensor reproducibility. It also highlights practical barriers to clinical implementation, such as cost constraints and scalability concerns. By presenting innovative approaches, such as cost-effective material alternatives, advanced analytical techniques, and portable biosensing systems, this review outlines a strategic pathway for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of electrochemical biosensors in antibiotic resistance management.
The global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a major threat to public health, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to identify bacterial pathogens in surface water and sewage samples from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility. A total of 60 water samples were collected from four distinct locations and analyzed using a combination of culture-based techniques, conventional PCR, and advanced molecular techniques (Sanger sequencing). Eight prevalent bacterial species were identified: Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.6%), Escherichia fergusonii (15%), Enterobacter bugandensis (13.3%), Bacillus paramycoides (8.3%), Comamonas jiangduensis (8.3%), Bacillus albus (6.6%), Klebsiella quasivariicola (5%), and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of the bacterial isolates, and the phylogenetic tree analysis revealed distinct genetic divergence of the Bangladeshi isolates compared to global reference strains. Antibiotic susceptibility against 10 commonly used antibiotics was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, revealing a varying degree of resistance patterns. All isolated bacteria exhibited susceptibility to imipenem, levofloxacin, amikacin, and azithromycin, while significant resistance was noted against cefradine, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone. Notably, 44% of the bacterial isolates were identified as multi-drug-resistant (MDR), with K. pneumoniae (69.23%), E. bugandensis (62.5%), and E. fergusonii (55.55%) exhibiting the highest resistance. In contrast, K. quasivariicola and C. jiangduensis exhibited no MDR traits. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.30 to 0.60 among the isolates. These findings highlight the significant contamination of water sources with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the urgent need for effective management practices to mitigate public health risks.
The present study examines the genomic sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae strain ACESH02121hy, which possesses a genome size of 5,281,767 bp. The strain was obtained from a patient's urine sample presenting symptoms associated with urinary tract infection.
We have revealed the genomic sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii strain Hakim RU_CBWP isolated from pond surface water. Our assembled genome covers 3.787 Mb with 45.5629× coverage, showcasing an average GC content of 38.60%. This genome contains two CRISPR arrays, 17 prophages, 22 antibiotic resistance genes, and 20 virulence factor genes.
We have sequenced the genome of Kurthia gibsonii strain Hakim RU_BHWE, isolated from sewage water. The assembled genome consists of 2.891 Mb with 58.6883× coverage, presenting an average GC content of 36.60%. This genome includes 8 CRISPR arrays, 3 prophages, 3 antibiotic resistance genes, and 12 virulence factor genes.
The emergence of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Bangladesh since 2019 is indeed concerning, and addressing its prevalence and control strategies is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of cattle and preventing economic losses in farming and livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the present situation of LSD and its clinical managemental steps among various farms in Rajshahi district, located in the northwest region of Bangladesh. We collected data from Tanore, Paba, Bagha, Bagmara, Puthia, and Godagari upazilas in Rajshahi district between September 1, 2022 and December 30, 2022. We used a structured questionnaire and observed a total of 39 small farms and 99 cattle. We diagnosed LSD based on the clinical signs outlined in the OIE manual and analyzed the data using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS statistical software. The study found that LSD had the highest morbidity rate (71.42%), mortality rate (7.14%), and case fatality rate (10%) in Tanore and Puthia upazilas in Rajshahi. Newly mature female animals (2–4 years) showed a higher susceptibility (36.23%) to LSD infection, followed by young bull cattle (2–4 years) at 33.33%. Bull and heifer calves were also susceptible to experiencing fatalities due to the infection of LSD. One of the significant clinical manifestations, Limb swelling, was most prevalent (18.18%) with LSD-positive young, mature cattle (2–4 years). We identified farm hygiene practices as crucial for LSDV distribution, with a higher proportion of LSD-affected cattle (42.43%) on poorly managed farms compared to those with good (1.01%) and medium (25.26%) hygiene practices. Despite the potential benefits of mosquito nets for controlling insects, most animal owners (89.74%) did not use them at night in cattle houses. The economic impact of LSD on the cattle industry underscores the importance of extensive epidemiological studies and the isolation, identification, and genome sequencing of LSDV from samples nationwide.
This report details the genome sequence of Escherichia coli strain Hakim RU_GHWS, isolated from sewage water. The assembled genome comprises 5.022 Mb with 77.675x coverage, depicting an average GC content of 50.50%. This genome contains 10 CRISPR arrays, 14 prophages, 65 antibiotic resistance genes, and 28 virulence factor genes.
This study reveals the genomes of psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 5 (PsChPV-5) and a beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), discovered in the fecal samples of cockatiels. The genomes of PsChPV-5 and BFDV are 4,366 and 2,009 base pairs long, respectively, each exhibiting the characteristic genomic structures of their respective genera.
This report presents the draft genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain Hakim RU_BHWS isolated from wastewater. The genome assembly is 4.6 Mb, with 32.16× coverage and a GC content of 50.7%. It includes five CRISPR arrays, 16 prophages, 56 antibiotic resistance genes, and 35 virulence factor genes.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a significant public health hazard for individuals with urinary tract infections (UTIs).This study identified, described, and classified antibiotic-resistant bacterial uropathogens in human urine samples and examined them for UTI risk factors.Between November 2020 and December 2021, 256 suspected UTI patients from the Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd., northern Bangladesh, were studied.A well-structured questionnaire assessed sociodemographic parameters and risk factors.Early morning urine samples were examined bacteriologically for bacterial isolates.The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method evaluated bacterial isolates' susceptibility to 22 commonly used antibiotics.The frequency of UTIs was 51.56%.The infection rate was higher in females (64.40%) than in males (26.51%).Escherichia coli (41.66%),Enterococcus faecalis (23.48%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.93%) were the predominant uropathogens.Antibiograms revealed that imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, netilmicin, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and cefepime were effective against the isolated bacteria.Most bacterial strains were resistant to linezolid, cephradine, azithromycin, nalidixic acid, cefuroxime sodium, co-trimoxazole, cefixime, and ceftriaxone.The isolates had a MDR rate of 88.6%.Age, place of residence, marital status, and prior antibiotic use were statistically associated with MDR UTIs.UTI patients often have MDR bacteria in their urine, requiring a comprehensive one-health approach to combating this evolving health issue.
Ovary dysfunction causes an aberrant endocrine surge at various reproductive cycle stages, negatively impacting fertility and economic profit. Optimizing dairy cow performance requires determining ovarian status and detecting early pregnancy. Still, little to no information is available about the diagnosis of the ovarian condition using urine chemical analysis at the field level in Bangladesh. This study aimed to develop a simple, inexpensive and portable on-farm technique for pregnancy diagnosis and ovary status determination in cows via chemical urine analysis. Fifty reproductively healthy cows were recruited from different donor farms. Prior to artificial insemination (AI), all selected cows were placed in a single ovsynch program. TAI (timed artificial insemination) was carried out. Urine was routinely collected from Day 0-55 days at estrus cycle stages for routine chemical analysis using barium chloride (BaCl2), followed by commercially available protein strip tests. The developed techniques for pregnancy and ovary status diagnosis in cows were validated with rectal palpation (RP). Barium chloride (BaCl2) analysis of urine revealed white precipitation corresponding to a mature follicle in the ovary during estrus and colorless precipitation corresponding to the corpus luteum during the diestrus period. Positive pregnancy was indicated by the presence of a colorless precipitate in the BaCl2 test, and a protein value of less than 100 mg/dl was found in the protein strip test. The maximum accuracy (42/50, 84%) was observed between 25 and 35 days, as confirmed by RP. Perplexing results were seen 45-55 days after AI, between pregnancies and luteal cystic disease. In both cases, we discovered that the BaCl2 precipitation was colorless. However, the protein value in the context of luteal cystic disease was found to be higher than 100 mg/dl. The barium chloride test, followed by protein strip tests, is a simple and portable way to diagnose pregnancy and determine ovarian status in cows at the field level.
Given the significant economic importance of getting cows pregnant, we investigated the factors affecting the conception rate of cows in Rajshahi City in this study. As we know, when the sperm fertilizes the egg, this is the moment we call conception. The number of dams that actually give birth compared to the number of dams that have been served or exposed to the sire is traditionally understood to be the conception rate. There have been many management and environmental factors, such as nutrition, metabolic disorders, reproductive health, heat detection, insemination practices, and climate, which can result in significant differences in conception rates. In terms of the effect of herd size on cow’s conception, we observed that herd with >30 cows had the highest (71.12%) conception rate (P<0.001), while the overall conception rate was 60.28%. Private farms showed higher conception (66.68%) than NGO-led ones (22%). Farmers having higher (>3 years) experience managed better conception rate (62.34%) in their farms. Cows under good housing management showed better conception (65.65%) than poorly or on-averagely maintained ones. Cows that were given good quality feed showed better conception (66.82%) compared to those provided with medium to poor quality feed; likewise, cows supplied with good quality fodder performed better regarding CR (63.68%). Cows that were under regular deworming resulted better (63.90%) conception rate compared to irregularly (55%) or no-dewormed (22.22%) groups. Regarding the effects of breed on CR we noticed that Friesian crossed showed better conception (75.13%) than local (50%) and Sahiwal crossed (40%). About the effect of age, 4-6 years old cows showed a better conception rate (68.88%), and in terms of parity 3rd one revealed highest conception rate (84.26%). We noticed frozen semen performed better (62.43%) than liquid ones (57.24%) and the govt. supplied semen resulted in better CR (65%). Heat detection through mounting resulted in a better conception rate (68.08%) than bellowing (67.14%) and vaginal discharge (52.57%), and service around 12-18 hours of Heat showed the highest conception rate (76.32%). In terms of the effect of methods of pregnancy detection on conception rate we noticed that by observing the clinical signs, we can better confirm conception (70.69%) compared with rectal palpation (38.14%). Under various limitations, we carried out our experiment; our findings are striking; however, further studies are needed to go more in-depth into it
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the leading cause of hospitalization due to bacterial infection, and the frequency of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from these infections is increasing worldwide. The current study aims to isolate and characterize antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and their antibiogram typing from urine samples of humans. From April to December 2019, a total of 60 human urine samples were collected aseptically and treated to primary isolation by propagation in nutrient broth followed by culture on various agar media. Gram’s staining, string techniques, biochemical characterization, PCR, and Sanger sequencing were performed to confirm E. coli. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to test the susceptibility of all bacterial strains to thirteen typically prescribed antibiotics. The overall prevalence of E. coli in UTIs was 66.67%. Three variations were noted in E. coli, all of which were single substitutions (A>T, C>T, and T>A). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA revealed that the E. coli discovered in this study belonged to the genus Escherichia, but was distinct from those identified in other countries. The antibiograms revealed that all the isolates (100%) were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin; 94.87% to doxycycline; 79.16% to gentamycin; 75.48% to ciprofloxacin; 73.07% to erythromycin; 71.66% to levofloxacin; 47.36% to ceftriaxone; and 46.66% to tetracycline. In contrast, all E. coli strains were sensitive to amikacin (95%), vancomycin (92.50%), and azithromycin (92.50%). People with a urinary tract infection (UTI) often have multidrug-resistant E. coli in their urine samples, which calls for a one-health strategy to deal with this rapidly changing condition.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by pathogens, particularly E. coli, have spontaneously become resistant to antimicrobial drugs in recent years. Therefore, regular monitoring and alternative strategies for the antimicrobial agent are crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance and bacterial biofilms. Here, we report a new cobalt iron oxide-conjugated tin oxide nanocomposite that can kill bacteria and treat multidrug-resistant E. coli posing UTIs. Following the isolation and identification of E. coli, we tested 57/134 samples against sixteen commonly used antibiotics phenotypically using the disk diffusion method to determine their sensitivity pattern. Of the 57 E. coli isolates, 66% (38/57) were multidrug-resistant. The E. coli isolates were resistant to cephradine (70.17%), ceftriaxone (59.64%), and azithromycin (59.64%), followed by cefixime (54.38%), cefuroxime sodium (52.63%), and co-trimoxazole (50.87%). X-ray diffraction results showed the crystallite sizes were about 5.68 and 8.84 nm in pure SnO2 nanoparticles and 95% SnO2-5% CoFe2O4 nanocomposite, respectively. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared determined the fundamental structure of the nanocomposite, encompassing Co, Fe, Sn, and O. Moreover, FTIR measurements implied that the distinct functional groups in both SnO2 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles existed in a 95% SnO2-5% CoFe2O4 nanocomposite. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis uncovered that the SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite had a size of roughly 24 nm and was spherical. In addition, the biosynthesized SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. At a minimum 100 µg/mL concentration, SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite showed high antibacterial activity. The SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated antibacterial activity on multidrug-resistant E. coli at 10 ± 0.7 and 16 ± 0.8 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. In conclusion, the new SnO2-CoFe2O4 nanocomposite might be a potential candidate for treating UTIs caused by drug-resistant E. coli in the foreseeable future.
Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen that infects birds, humans, and other mammals. Notably, recent studies suggested the human-to-human transmission of C. psittaci, and this pathogen also causes equine reproductive loss in Australia. Molecular studies in Australia to date have focused on and described clonal sequence type (ST)24 strains infecting horses, wild psittacine, and humans. In contrast, the genetic identity of C. psittaci strains from captive psittacine hosts is scarce. In 2022, C. psittaci was detected in the faeces of a healthy captive blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva). Genomic DNA was extracted and underwent whole-genome sequencing. Here we report the 1,160,701 bp circular chromosome of C. psittaci strain BF_amazon_parrot13 and the 7,553 bp circular plasmid pCpsBF_amazon_parrot13. Initial in silico multi-locus sequence typing and ompA genotyping revealed that BF_amazon_parrot13 belongs to the clonal ST24 lineage and has an ompA genotype A. Further context involved the genomes of 31 published ST24 strains, utilising a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) based clustering approach. Despite temporal, host, and biogeographical separation, a core-genome SNV-based phylogeny revealed that BF_amazon_parrot13 clustered in a distinct subcluster with seven C. psittaci strains from equines in Australia (maximum pairwise distance of 13 SNVs). BF_amazon_parrot13 represents the first complete C. psittaci ST24 genome from a captive psittacine in Australia. Furthermore, by using whole-genome sequencing to coordinate surveillance, we can also learn more about the possible health risks and routes of chlamydia transmission among people, livestock, wild animals, and domesticated animals.